Biopolymer Research Group
Research keywords:
· biopolymers
· bio-based polymers
· biodegradable polymers
· processing
· composting
· improving heat deflection temperature
· improving toughness
Horizon Europe keywords:
· Advanced materials
· Circular economy
· Clean and healthy air, water and soil
· Raw materials
· European Green Deal
Introduction of the Research Group
The Biopolymer Research Group is engaged in the research of polymers that are either produced from renewable resources or biodegradable. The use of these materials can be incorporated into the cycle of nature as well as into the circular economic model. The main activity of the research group is to study the processing of these biopolymers (mainly cellulose, starch, PLA (polylactic acid), PHA (polyhydroxy alkanoate), PBAT (polybutylene adipate terephthalate), and PBS (polybutylene succinate)) and to analyze their applicability in industry, in order to make these environmentally friendly raw materials widely available. Our further research topic is the analysis of the processing of emerging biopolymers and the production and characterization of biocomposites, ie fiber-reinforced biopolymers. In most cases, natural, vegetable (eg flax, hemp, sisal) or mineral (basalt) fibers are used as fiber reinforcement. With fiber reinforcement, we want to find an alternative to the plastics currently used in applications that are subjected to mechanical stress and/or heat.
Achievements
- We proved that the crystal structure of the biopolymer of polylactic acid critically influences its heat deflection temperature and toughness- We have developed a technology for the production of long basalt fiber reinforced biopolymer composites
- We pointed out that there is a positive cross-effect between the crystal structure of PLA biopolymer and talc as a magnesium silicate filler in terms of heat deflection temperature
- We have developed the technology of physical foaming of PLA biopolymer
- We pointed out that there is a positive cross-effect between the crystal structure of PLA biopolymer and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) as a tough polymer additive in terms of toughness
Publications
- T. Tábi, P. Tamás, J. G. Kovács: Chopped basalt fibres: A new perspective in reinforcing poly(lactic acid) to produce injection moulded engineering composites from renewable and natural resources, Express Polymer Letters, 7, 2013, 107-119- K. Bocz, T. Tábi, D. Vadas, M. Sauceau, J. Fages, Gy. Marosi: Characterisation of natural fibre reinforced PLA foams prepared by supercritical CO2 assisted extrusion, Express Polymer Letters, 10, 2016, 771-779
- T. Tábi, S. Hajba, J. G. Kovács: Effect of crystalline forms (α’ and α) of poly(lactic acid) on its mechanical, thermo-mechanical, heat deflection temperature and creep properties, European Polymer Journal, 82, 2016, 232-243
- T. Tábi: The application of the synergistic effect between the crystal structure of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and the presence of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) to produce highly ductile PLA/EVA blends, Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry, 138, 2019, 1287-1297
- T. Tábi, T. Ageyeva, J. G. Kovács: Improving the ductility and heat deflection temperature of injection molded Poly(lactic acid) products: A comprehensive review, Polymer Testing, 101, 107282, 2021
Journals
Express Polymer Letters, Polymer Engineering and Science, Polymer Degradation and Stability, Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry, Polymer Testing, European Polymer Journal, Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites, Composites Part B (Engineering), Journal of Applied Polymer Science, Periodica Polytechnica Mechanical Engineering.Projects
- OTKA FK134336, Investigation of additive manufactured 3D reinforcing framework structure as insert in injection molded composite products, 2020-2024, Hungarian National Research, Development and Innovation Office (NKFIH)- 2019-1.1.1-PIACI-KFI-2019-00335, Developing of increased load-ability polypropylene and environmental friendly material based bale twines, 2020-2023, Hungarian National Research, Development and Innovation Office (NKFIH)